Smart, Experienced Akron Real Estate Lawyers
Witschey Witschey & Firestine Co., LPA, is a leader in real estate law in northeast Ohio. We provide transactional services, advice and litigation to a wide range of clients, including business owners, local governments, regional real estate developers, individuals and families.
Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home, find a new location for your business or break ground on an ambitious building project, ours is the firm to call. Our experienced lawyers are ready to guide you through all aspects of your case, helping you finalize necessary paperwork and avoid costly legal snags.
Residential And Commercial Real Estate Services
The attorneys at WWF offer skilled, knowledgeable assistance with nearly any real estate matter you may encounter as an individual or a business owner. Here are just some of the issues we assist with:
- Representing buyers and sellers at closings
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating real estate contracts
- Title curative work
- Title insurance
- Zoning and land use matters
- Oil and gas
Representation And Services For Ohio Developers
Our firm is also proud to partner with real estate developers in Summit County and surrounding areas. We can help you with nearly any legal issue or service you need, including matters related to:
- Property development
- Condominium law
- Development agreements
- Construction contracts and construction management
- Retail development
- Subdivisions
- Purchase and sale agreements
- Oil and gas
Real Estate Litigation
Much of our practice is devoted to representing clients in litigation. If you are involved in a property dispute, a development contract dispute, oil and gas rights or any similar matter, chances are good that we can help. To learn more, visit our Civil Litigation page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Real Estate Litigation
Our experienced attorneys are happy to provide answers and insights regarding real estate law and litigation that can help you make informed choices.
What are the most common mistakes buyers and sellers make in Ohio purchase agreements?
There are many potential mistakes, such as having ambiguous or unclear conditions and clauses, forgetting important contingency clauses such as a home inspection contingency or providing an inadequate description of the property. Another common mistake is overlooking unique details of a specific property, such as zoning restrictions, inclusion in a homeowners association and preexisting easements.
All financial terms for the purchase/sale should also be clearly defined such as the earnest money that will be due, who will cover the closing costs and whether there will be a rent-back period. Finally, it is important to remember that closing and possession can happen on different days, so buyers need to know when the actual transfer of the property will occur. Finally, any title defects and issues must be addressed before the transaction is complete.
Do I need a real estate attorney for a residential closing in Ohio, or can the title company handle everything?
While title companies can technically handle transactions, it is often best to work with a real estate attorney who will put your best interests first. This is especially true for complex cases such as those involving property line disputes, title issues and complicated legal contracts.
A residential real estate purchase is a major milestone in your life and the life of your family, and there is a significant amount of money on the line. Knowing that you have a knowledgeable real estate lawyer on your side can give you peace of mind and help the process go smoothly.
How does Ohio’s “caveat emptor” (buyer beware) rule affect disclosure disputes after closing?
This legal rule means that it is the responsibility of a buyer to look for any patent defects or obvious issues with the property, as they are often purchasing the property “as is.” However, there is an exception for fraud such as when a seller takes active steps to conceal property defects or lies about the property conditions intentionally and willfully.
If you have any other questions about real estate and legal issues, do not hesitate to reach out to us to schedule an initial consultation to go over the details of your unique case.
Contact Us Today To Schedule An Initial Consultation
With an office in Akron, Witschey Witschey & Firestine Co., LPA, serves clients in Summit County and throughout northeast Ohio. To take advantage of an initial consultation with one of our skilled real estate attorneys, call us at 330-576-9770, or send us an email.